Ronald Digby Nelson

Our dear dad and friend left us too soon.

Ron left us unexpectedly but peacefully to join his dear wife, Renée. He leaves behind their two children, Ron (Janice) and Tania (Dan); their three grandchildren, Jessica Renée, Ronnie, and Stevie; and his brother, Peter (Colleen).

Ron was born in Sunderland, England. He grew up in the UK and the Jersey Islands and attended the Sedbergh School in the Lake District. He later moved to Bermuda, where he became a proficient sailor and the captain of an internationally successful rugby team. In 1961 he moved to Trois- Rivières, Quebec where he met Renée, the love of his life. They married in Bermuda in 1963 and travelled and lived around the world, including Bermuda, the UK, Canada, the USA and Cyprus. After retiring they settled happily in Roberts Creek, BC and enjoyed all the Coast has to offer with a fantastic network of friends. After Renée's passing Ron returned to West Vancouver and spent several happy years in the company of his new companion, Valerie Daniel.

Dad loved his family and enjoyed the outdoors and exploring the world. He had a small but close network of good friends. Many of his favourite vacations included paddling the Bowron Lakes, or hiking the trails around Lake O'Hara, or renting a big home in a warm place and gathering his family and friends together.

Our family wishes to thank the paramedics and the staff of St. Paul's Hospital who tried so hard to keep Dad with us, and for the care and compassion they showed him and his family during that difficult last day. They all went far beyond what we could have reasonably expected and we are blessed to live in a community that shows such compassion.

The pandemic prevents us from celebrating Ron's life at this time, but we hope to do so at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Digby Nelson, please visit our floral store.